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Published on: September 12, 2020
A probable association of acute dystonia with gemifloxacin administration
Dinesh Dutt Sharma1, Ashish Aggarwal, Ravi C Sharma
1Department of Psychiatry, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Abstract:
Gemifloxacin is a recently introduced fluoroquinolone antibiotic frequently used for its broad spectrum and once-daily dosing. Fluoroquinolones are associated with various neuropsychiatric side effects, such as seizures, insomnia, confusion, lightheadedness, psychosis, paranoia and hallucinations. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman given gemifloxacin for an upper respiratory tract infection who developed acute dystonia on the third day following therapy initiation. The clinical implications are discussed.
Insights
Gemifloxacin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, can cause rare neuropsychiatric side effects. This case highlights acute dystonia as a potential adverse event in patients receiving gemifloxacin therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Gemifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic known for broad-spectrum activity and once-daily dosing.
- Fluoroquinolones are associated with a range of neuropsychiatric adverse effects.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old woman was treated with gemifloxacin for an upper respiratory tract infection.
- Acute dystonia developed on the third day of gemifloxacin therapy.
Findings:
- This case presents a potential link between gemifloxacin use and the development of acute dystonia.
- Neuropsychiatric side effects of fluoroquinolones, including dystonia, warrant clinical attention.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the risk of acute dystonia when prescribing gemifloxacin.
- Further investigation into the specific mechanisms of gemifloxacin-induced dystonia may be warranted.
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